I decided to come back because I had unfinished business. I talked to my family and then the real reason why I came back is because I have a child. I wanted to be able to support him. Life influences me more than football right now. I graduate this semester so I’ll have my degree in multidisciplinary studies.

In the NFL, most people last four years. What are you going to do after that? You have to have a backup plan.

On playing guard

They moved me to guard, and I’m more comfortable there than most people, so I have an advantage. Guard is more physical and that’s my strength, playing inside. I can play that at the next level. Inside, there’s less space and you can have more power, and I like that.

We tried to get our timing down on our own before spring ball. (Sophomore quarterback) Skyler’s (Howard) new so he’s trying to get used to the offense, like we did last year. Having a year of experience is very good for me. It’s different being that voice of experience. It’s benefiting me a lot. Coach Joseph is helping me become a more complete player. Coach (Lonnie) Galloway is working with me on my routes and it’s really helping.

We feel really good this year. We are very comfortable already but we just have to stay humble. We have a lot of people back, so that’s good too.

On developing mentally

Watching film has helped me a lot. Going into the spring, I try to watch film every night. Right now, I’m watching the practice video.

I’m more explosive this year because of going through the conditioning and weight room part. I’m doing everything that they tell me to do and I’m feeling stronger and better. I feel like I’ll get more plays this year.

I was going over film today, and finding things I could’ve done better last year. That’s big for me.

My freshman year was real positive. I tried to keep moving forward and doing the best I could. Being so young, I was just trying to play my part. I would do what the coaches asked me to and just stay part of the scheme. It was tough playing so many positions, but you just have to become a football player. You can’t let one technique take over another technique. You have to know what to do in certain positions.

On one position this year

It’s a big weight lifted off of my shoulders to be locked in a position and become the best corner I can be. I think I can study one position and specific players. I will be faster. I can break things down into a sharper image. My mind will be working faster, and I’ll be thinking faster.

I’m glad we’re just playing one side at this point. Big 12 football moves so fast, and it’s better and easier for us to play that way.

On expectations this year

I think this year I’m living up to my standards and what I’m working for. We had meetings with our position coaches and our strength coaches and they set goals for us. Now I’m just fine tuning myself and trying to attain those goals.

I think I’m at my main position, corner. It’s the hardest position on the field, or at least defensively. I’m working the best I can to shut my side of the field down. Week in and week out, all of the top notch receivers that we see in the Big 12, you have to study each one. Already this spring, everyone is playing their part.